The government's efforts to eradicate ghost names from the payroll system may see progress with the intervention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

According to the OSP's half-year report unveiled on December 29, 2023, the focus of their assessment and investigation is to eliminate fictitious names and recoup erroneous payments.

The OSP warned that individuals found to be involved in any wrongdoing will face prosecution.

“The Office has commenced corruption risk assessment and investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the Government of Ghana payroll administration.

“The assessment and investigation are especially aimed at isolating and removing non-existent names, recovering wrongful payments, and the prosecution of persons suspected to be culpable for any offence(s).”

The Office of the Special Prosecutor also affirmed it is in collaboration with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to carry out the investigation.

It emphasised that the scope of the investigation and assessment extends to all banks and employees enlisted on the government payroll.

“A joint project team of selected staff of the two institutions has been formed for the purpose,” OSP stated in its report.

“The exercise is being carried out in two phases. Phase I covers the Ghana Education Service and the health institutions. Phase II covers all other Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assemblies, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.”

The Office mentioned that it is concurrently probing 152 other cases at different stages of examination.

“These would be publicised if the Special Prosecutor determines that they are within the mandate of the Office and that they should be moved past the preliminary investigation stage."

"This is a policy intended to protect the privacy of individuals and the business operations of institutions and companies, and to avoid unnecessary stigmatisation."